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2026-05-23 10:46:24
[Five Gulf States Oppose Iran's Establishment of a "Persian Gulf Straits Authority"] A circular distributed among member states of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) shows that Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates recently sent a letter to the IMO opposing Iran's establishment of a "Persian Gulf Straits Authority" and the issuance of related navigational notices. The circular, obtained by reporters on the 22nd, shows that the five countries stated in a joint statement that Iran unilaterally demands that passing vessels coordinate with the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, use its designated waterways, and apply for passage permits, attempting to change the IMO-recognized separation of traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, which has been in operation since 1968. The statement said that the five countries refuse to use Iran's designated waterways and refuse any contact with Iran's "Persian Gulf Straits Authority." The five countries also oppose including Iranian waterways and related authorities within the IMO's framework for the safe evacuation of stranded merchant ships. (Xinhua)
